Date and Walnut Loaf: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

This moist and flavorful date and walnut loaf is perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a festive gathering. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, resulting in a delicious treat that's sure to impress. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips, ensuring your date and walnut loaf turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields one standard loaf. Adjust quantities as needed for larger batches.

• Dates: 200g pitted Medjool dates (or other variety, adjust sweetness accordingly). Medjool dates are preferred for their richness and sweetness.
• Walnuts: 150g walnuts, roughly chopped. Adding a mix of chopped and whole walnuts provides interesting texture.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. These bind the loaf together and add richness.
• Olive Oil: 100ml extra virgin olive oil. Provides moisture and a subtle flavour.
• Brown Sugar: 100g dark brown sugar. Adds sweetness and moisture, complementing the dates.
• Flour: 150g plain flour (all-purpose flour). Provides structure to the loaf.
• Baking Powder: 1 tsp baking powder. Helps the loaf rise.
• Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda): ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda. Reacts with the brown sugar to create lift.
• Spices: 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger (optional, but adds warmth).
• Pinch of Salt: Enhances the overall flavour.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Dates: Place the pitted dates in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely chopped, but not completely pureed. You want some texture remaining.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, olive oil, and brown sugar until well combined.

3. Add the Dates: Add the chopped dates to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, ginger (if using), and salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Add the Walnuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts.

7. Prepare the Loaf Tin: Grease and flour a standard loaf tin (approximately 2lb/900g capacity).

8. Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F/Gas Mark 4) for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Perfect Date and Walnut Loaf:

• Date Variety: Experiment with different date varieties. Some are sweeter than others, so you might need to adjust the sugar accordingly.
• Nut Variations: Feel free to substitute other nuts, such as pecans or almonds, or even a mix of nuts.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warmer flavour profile.
• Glaze (Optional): Once cooled, you can glaze the loaf with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a little milk or lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions:

This delicious date and walnut loaf is wonderful served on its own, with a cup of tea or coffee. It's also delicious sliced and served with cream cheese, butter, or yogurt.

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